biodiversity
habitat diversity
The range of different habitats
A wider variety of habitats lead to higher biodiversity
species diversity
Species richness: Number of different species in a habitat
Species evenness: Relative abundance of each species in a habitat
genetic diversity
The number of Different alleles
Simpsons biodiversity index
Value is between 0 and 1
takes into account species richness and evenness
greatest species, evenness if
has Lowest range of individuals
sampling
Measure species diversity
Gives an estimate
Saves time
Random sampling
1. Use tape measure
2. Random number generator to generate coordinates
3. Count species, Record
4. Repeat (at least 10)
adv + dis random sampling
Data is not biased
Fast
May not cover all areas equally
Position of coordinate difficult to judge
systematic sampling
Measures distribution
e.g. belt or line transect
Place tape measure at location where there's a gradient and abiotic factors
At regular intervals quadrats placed
adv + dis systemstic sampling
allows you to measure a distribution
May miss some species
sampling animals
Pit full trap
Sweep net
Camera trap
Pooter
Net to use in water
genetic diversity
If low, Species may be more susceptible to changes in environment
Not be able to adapt
if high, Less likely to become extinct
Can adapt to changing conditions
genetic diversity equation
Proportion of polymorphic gene loci = Number of polymorphic gene loci / Total gene loci
factors that decrease genetic biodiversity
Low population
Captive breeding
Rare breed
Artificial cloning
factors that increase genetic biodiversity
Mutations
interbreeding
Large populations
human factors that affect biodiversity
Deforestation
Increased human population (Resources are used faster than they are replenished)
Urbanisation
Pollution
habitat loss
Monoculture in farming (Specialising in one crop reduces overall biodiversity)
reasons for maintaining biodiversity
Aesthetic- Looks pretty/Recreation
Economic- Money generated because biodiversity is conserved, Ecotourism, Money from medicine/crops selling
Ecological- Maintains keystone species, Maintains interdependent relationships
Keystone species
A species that has a very large impact on other species relative to their population size
how do we maintain biodiversity?
in situ conservation
ex situ conservation
In situ conservation
conservation inside an organisms, natural habitat
Maintain genetic diversity and preserves interdependent relationships
e.g. Wildlife reserves- Controls poaching, Removal of invasive species, Education
ex situ conservation
Remove organisms from their natural habitat
Seed banks
Botanic Gardens
Zoos (Provided with shelter, food, no predators)
Captive breeding (Loss of resistance to disease, Don't know how to hunt)
CITES
Not kill endangered species
Limit trade by licensing
Illegal to trade products from endangered species
CBD
Use plant and animal products in a sustainable way
Provide guidance to governments on how to conserve biodiversity
CSS
Conserve wildlife and biodiversity
Improve wildlife habitats
Promote land management techniques to land owners